Abstract:
The mine environment is complex and highly dynamic due to the developments over time and
surrounding climatic changes. Heedlessness to supply adequate quantity and quality of air
will catalyse short and long-term ailments to the workers. Therefore, this study emerges as the
new research frontier in incorporating software-assisted numerical simulation with analytical
computations. This investigation assesses the existing ventilation parameters at the Bogala
underground graphite mine for the propriety of the working environment. The uttermost
bottom block between 240 and 275 fathoms (FM) levels was examined. The parameters were
obtained through the in-field ventilation survey. Measured air quantity, psychometry, and air
quality values were analysed and fed to the computer-simulated model. Moreover, the reentry
time for a development drive at 275 FM level was estimated using the throwback
method. Adequacy assessment unveils that all the parameters besides air quality are
inadequate at most stations for optimal mine conditions to attain maximum efficiency.
Furthermore, the re-entry time after the development blast at the selected drive is meager and
necessitates re-calculation for each blast. Moreover, stale air mixing and air recirculation are
extant at 240 FM and 275 FM levels, respectively. Thus, mine ventilation at Bogala needs to be
optimised, admitting workers' health, safety and comfort, and productivity of the mine.
Citation:
Thanujan, T., Brinthan, K., Thiruchittampalam, S., & Jayawardena, C.L. (2021). Evaluation of ventilation network through hybrid analytical-numerical approach in underground working block. In D.M.D.O.K. Dissanayake & C.L. Jayawardena (Eds.), Proceedings of International Symposium on Earth Resources Management & Environment 2021 (pp. 60-67). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa. https://uom.lk/sites/default/files/ere/files/ISERME%202021%20Proceedings_2.pdf